McKinney ton gives Durham the edge

BEN McKinney's excellent unbeaten century gave Durham the edge on day one of their Rothesay County Championship clash with Warwickshire.

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Durham had the worst possible start when they lost Alex Lees in the first over, but they recovered well with McKinney leading the charge and he was well supported by Emilio Gay and the fortunate David Bedingham, who was dropped twice on his way to making 58.

The Bears then took the initiative thanks to double-wicket bursts from Michael Booth and Taz Ali either side of tea, but Matthew Potts joined McKinney at the crease and made an unbeaten half-century to take Durham to 343 for seven at close.

McKinney impressed on tour with England Lions over the winter and he’s brought that form with him to the county scene. The tall left-handed opener saw out some tough periods but he remained calm and composed throughout the day to pick up his third First Class ton.

This century, when others around him struggled, will likely prompt further calls for the opener to be in the reckoning for a senior international call-up and England Test skipper Ben Stokes was among the spectators as he steps up his recovery from injury at Chester-le-Street.